What is the most efficient way to test if the fan clutch is bad? Engine temp. starts to rise at idle speeds and complete stops.

 

+/-$35 gets a new fan clutch and just about eliminates the clutch performance guessing game. The factory test method is a quite drawn out proceedure......I think the clutch can be replaced in less time than it takes to conduct the test.

 

good point. I would like to confirm that mine is not working properly just so i know that this fan clutch will potentially fix the issue.

 

The #1 reason for temp creep at idle is a weak fan clutch however, the fan clutch is only one of several cooling system components. Virtually all motors temp creep at idle to some degree....it's normal, but overheating is not.

 

What issue are you having? Just the high temps at idle?

 

highway temps are fine, it just seems that when i slow down or come to a stop the temp immediatly goes to about 240 (aux fan kicks on and keeps it from overheating). I know the temp will rise a bit but it seems that it rises to fast to be normal. just a bit concerned and want to check it out. An obvious solution that I will be installing tonight is a radiator fan shroud that is missing so i may have spoken to soon.

 

240* is a little extreme but 225* at long idle in hot temps is pretty normal for a 12-20 year old vehicle.

 

Devil's in the details.

 

have you checked your water pump. You are having the same issues I was having. I replaced everything before I found that my water pump was rotted away and only had I blade left.

 

New 195 stat, radiator cap, coolant flush, and radiator fan shroud and temps are perfect. Stays the same temp at idle and low speeds. I would like to think that all the replacements had something to do with it. Thanks everyone for the feedback.

 

My Jeeps don't do that......

 

Good job. Maintenance is the key.